Things I enjoy about motherhood:
- Making sweet memories
- Watching the girls grow and develop into their own little humans
- Being part of something bigger than just today’s mess – knowing that our conversations and intentions will shape the girls’ outlook
- The reminder that unconditional love does exist and the daily modeling of forgiveness (mostly from the girls – I still struggle with this)
Things I don’t love about motherhood:
- Refereeing & Disciplining
- The longterm vision that our small choices and ideals actually do matter in the future
- The mundane of life at home
- Finding the balance of giving to the girls, giving to Frank, and remembering that self-care is important, too
We talked yesterday at MOPS about the dichotomy of motherhood – of the pressure to be red carpet ready 6 weeks after giving birth balanced with the spiral of yoga pants every day forevermore. As we weeded through labels and expectations, our speaker – a life coach – teased through the labels we put on ourselves.
She asked, what would our 90-year-old self say about this moment? What would our 5-year-old selves say about motherhood?
We decided that our 90-year-old self would say Let it go! and remind us of these precious, fleeing moments. That we should enjoy these days. We remembered our 5-year-old selves being excited about being moms, without realizing all the other stuff that goes along.
I loved this practice and want to extend it to all areas of my life. How can I step back and remember perspective? What will fade into the background? And how can I rekindle that childlike excitement of the future?
How do you keep perspective? What would your 90-year-old self remember about this stage of life?
Linked with Kate Motaung’s Five Minute Friday, a time to write without editing.
Annie Rim 
Sounds like it was a wonderfully refreshing discussion at your MOPS group. I like the idea of stepping back and viewing this moment from a different age of ourselves. Thanks for sharing today. – Lori
visiting from FMF
That really stuck with me – it’s one thing to take a step back and another to wonder what my great-grandma self will see. Thanks for stopping by!
How sweet! The mundane can get the best of me at times…if I have to pack one more lunch. I have to remind myself this is not forever. One day, my children will be grown and out of the house (hopefully, right? 🙂 I hope my 90 year old self will say “let it go” also. Thank you for sharing, Annie!
I feel like that day is going to happen before I know it…! On the one hand, I can’t wait to have a house that stays clean for a couple hours. On the other hand, I know I’ll miss this messy chaos! Thanks for stopping by!
Annie, I loved this post. Walking the drama of thirteen with our oldest is draining. I get too caught up in his emotion and let it wrap a bad attitude around me. I’m having to learn to just let that go.
When I read about our 90-year old selves, I giggled. My first thought was that the 90 year old me would probably say, “Man. I looked GOOOD back then!” 😉 But seriously, I think you’re right. The older version of ourselves would remind us to let some things go, focus on the hearts and enjoy our moments with our kids. They’re gone way too quickly.
Haha! Right? I think that about my 20 year old self now – Why was I self conscious?! I already feel the time is flying – I heard it gets crazier after they turn 11. You’re in the rollercoaster years!! (Still doesn’t make those emotions easier – prayers for you!)
Loved reading your perspective about motherhood friend.
Thanks, Tara!